Wiener Dogs Take Over Qualcomm Stadium

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Qualcomm Stadium has officially gone to the dogs – the wiener dogs, that is.

On Saturday, more than 350 wiener dogs took to Qualcomm Stadium to compete in the 18th Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Dog Nationals.

The pooches raced one another in quick heats at the rugby fields at the Q as spectators cheered from the sidelines.

The 16 fastest dogs will now advance to the San Diego finals, scheduled for Sept. 1 on the Del Mar Racetrack. From there, organizers say the quickest wiener dog will move on to the national championship on Dec. 30.

Saturday’s qualifier doubled as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization, Holiday Bowl.

Organizer Katharine LiMandri told NBC 7 that the event was a hit, with plenty of lively, energetic dogs running around.